We would like to provide you with information about our upcoming A team evaluations for boys playing in our U12 Junior (grades 5-6) and U14 Senior (grades 7-8) levels. As in previous years, we will hold player evaluations prior to the start of the season in order to divide our players in A and B teams as required by our league, Connecticut Valley Youth Lacrosse.

First, it is important to note that all players will be assigned to either the A or the B team (no one will be cut). Players who do not wish to be considered for the A team do not need to be evaluated. The A team players will be expected to make a significant time commitment; A team players will be expected to attend all practices and games during the season.

Information for the U12 Juniors (grades 5-6) and U14 Seniors (grades 7-8) is listed below. Registration for the evaluations is required, and you must be registered for the 2019 season with no outstanding balance and have a current US Lacrosse membership in order to participate.

The evaluation will be conducted by experienced third-party evaluators that do not have children playing in this age group. We highly recommend that players request to be evaluated for more than one position. Players will be rated on the following categories:

Attitude/sportsmanship

Advanced lacrosse skills

Athleticism

Lacrosse IQ (do they see the field/know positioning in specific situations?)

Position (defense, attack, midfield, goal) - Multiple positions played is a plus.

Players will be put through fast paced drills that will allow them to demonstrate their throwing, catching, passing, running, dodging, offensive and defensive skills. Most of the drills will be familiar to the players. Anything new will also demonstrate their ability to adapt, listen and attempt the plays. These are all expectations for any player at a higher level.

Team Placement:

Players will be evaluated on how they performed on each of the categories described above as well as last year’s coach’s assessment of the player in each of the categories. Team placements will be announced within approximately two weeks of the evaluation.

How to Prepare:

Players should be getting ready for the season by sharpening their stick skills (wall ball, passing with a friend, or shooting at a rebounder are all great warm-ups) and getting outside and running around to build endurance.